Blog>Questions>Can you paint lead flashing?
Last updated: 7 September 2023
Can you paint lead flashing?
If you’re keen to match your flashing to your property’s colour scheme – or you simply don’t like the look of untreated lead – you might be wondering if you can paint lead flashing. Here’s the lowdown.
Yes, you can technically paint lead flashing, but it’s not a good idea.
Why? Well, your paint will peel off, which will look pretty undesirable.
Lead oxidises, which means it reacts to oxygen in the air. It also expands and contracts with heat. Together, these reactions will make it hard for your paint to stick – and even once you’ve painted your lead flashing, it will quickly crack and peel.
Ultimately, you’re best off steering clear from painting it.
What are the alternatives to painting lead flashing?
Instead of painting it, many homeowners leave their lead flashing uncoated. However, uncoated lead flashing can discolour over time, which you might find unsightly.
Another even better solution is to use patination oil. This is a protective coating that’s used on a range of metals including brass and copper as well as lead.
Unlike paint, patination oil is breathable and can actually stop oxidation. This means your lead flashing won’t discolour as you’d usually expect, and will maintain its sleek appearance for years to come.
Then, when your flashing eventually starts to turn light grey or to look weathered, you’ll simply need to reapply patination oil. This will give your flashing a new look without all the problems that come with painting.
Find a professional
If you’re keen to apply patination oil to your lead flashing, why not find a professional to do it for you? They’ll be experienced at working at height and will have all the right tools for the job. Plus, they’ll have the experience under their belt to ensure a professional finish that will last long into the future.
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See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job